Resilient Cities: Strengthening Climate Readiness in Belize

Counterpart / Lead agency

Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government

Objective

The project aims to strengthen climate resilience in four underserved Belizean municipalities— Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Benque Viejo—by putting the National Land Use Policy (2025) into practice locally and building municipal capacity for climate-informed planning, governance, risk assessment, and early warning. It will develop scalable tools and institutional approaches aligned with Belize’s wider climate resilience and municipal governance priorities.

Expected results

The following results are expected over the 24-month execution period; they depend on delivery of the planned activities and do not describe progress or results already achieved.

1. Municipal land-use guidelines. Multisectoral planning groups in four municipalities will identify local priorities and support consultation, development, and validation of gender-responsive, climate-resilient land-use guidelines and practical illustrated guidance for builders and community stakeholders.
2. Municipal capacity and peer learning. Municipal staff will receive training in climate-informed spatial planning, climate risk assessment, and inclusive stakeholder engagement, supported by tailored materials, cross-municipality and Caribbean peer exchanges, and a consolidated toolkit for continued use.
3. Community early warning pilots. With the National Emergency Management Organization and telecommunications providers, the project will co-design and test community-based alert pilots, including SMS- and app-based mechanisms, risk communication protocols, outreach materials, and an assessment of performance and scalability.

Beneficiaries

Residents and local governments in Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and Benque Viejo are primary beneficiaries, with particular benefit for women, youth, and other climate-vulnerable groups. National agencies and local businesses may also benefit from improved coordination, clearer land-use guidance, and stronger preparedness.